Yes, stun guns are legal in Vermont for individuals aged 16 or older without a permit, per 13 V.S.A. § 4016. Vermont repealed its 2018 ban following a 2023 Vermont Supreme Court ruling (State v. Hieu Tran), which deemed the prohibition unconstitutional under the Second Amendment. The Vermont Legislature codified this change in Act 77 (2024), effective July 1, 2024. Local law enforcement agencies, such as the Vermont State Police, no longer enforce prior restrictions, though municipal ordinances may impose additional storage requirements.
Key Regulations for Stun Guns in Vermont
- Age Restriction: Only individuals 16+ may possess stun guns; minors require parental consent documented in writing.
- Prohibited Locations: Use or possession is banned in federal facilities, schools (K-12), and courthouses, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 930 and 16 V.S.A. § 11(a).
- Concealed Carry: While open carry is permitted, concealed carry in public spaces is subject to local ordinances; Burlington and Montpelier have enacted 2025 buffer-zone rules within 500 feet of government buildings.
Violations may trigger municipal fines up to $500 under 24 V.S.A. § 1973, though criminal penalties apply only if used in commission of another offense. Retailers must display stun guns separately from ammunition and maintain sales records for 3 years, per Vermont Department of Public Safety directives issued January 2025. Out-of-state purchasers must comply with Vermont’s 48-hour waiting period for non-residents, enforced by the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit.